Spanish Style Grilled Cheese Sandwich

By jdwooten

Recipe courtesy of Edwina Gadsby, 2008 grand-prize winner of the Mezzetta Make That Sandwich Contest. The Montana homemaker found inspiration in the bright, sunny flavors of Spain to make her award-winning ham and cheese sandwich.

Ingredients

• Sandwich:
• 8 slice(s) (1/2-inch thick) peasant bread or other artisan bread
• 3 cup(s) shredded Manchego cheese
• 3 ounce(s) thinly sliced Serrano ham or prosciutto
• Smoky Paprika Roasted Pepper and Tomato Topping:
• 1 tablespoon(s) sherry vinegar
• 1 teaspoon(s) smoked paprika
• 3 tablespoon(s) (up to 4 if needed) Mezzetta Extra Virgin Olive Oil, divided
• 1 tablespoon(s) Mezzetta Crushed Garlic
• 1 cup(s) Mezzetta Roasted Red Pepper Strips
• 1 cup(s) Mezzetta Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Olive Oil
• 3 tablespoon(s) chopped flat-leaf parsley or cilantro

Preparation

Step 1

For Topping: Whisk together vinegar, paprika, 1 tablespoon Mezzetta Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and Mezzetta Crushed Garlic in bowl. Add Mezzetta Roasted Red Pepper Strips, Mezzetta Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and parsley (or cilantro); tossing to coat.
For Sandwiches: Sprinkle 4 slices of bread with half the cheese. Top with Smoky Paprika, Roasted Pepper, and Tomato Topping and ham. Apply the remaining cheese as another layer. Top with a second piece of bread and press together.
Brush sandwiches with remaining Mezzetta Extra Virgin Olive Oil and heat in a panini press or skillet until lightly browned on both sides and cheese has melted. Serve hot.